NURS6512 Advanced Health Assessment
Midterm 2025/2026 – Verified Questions
and Correct Solutions
Questions
Question 1
Before performing an abdominal examination, the examiner should:
A. Have the patient empty their bladder
B. Position the patient standing upright
C. Auscultate before inspection
D. Warm the patient’s abdomen with a heating pad
Correct Answer: A. Have the patient empty their bladder
Rationale: A full bladder can interfere with accurate palpation and percussion of the abdomen,
causing discomfort or obscuring findings such as organ borders or masses. Emptying the bladder
ensures a more accurate and comfortable examination.
Question 2
To perform the Rinne test, place the tuning fork on the:
A. Forehead
B. Mastoid bone
C. External auditory canal
D. Pinna
Correct Answer: B. Mastoid bone
Rationale: The Rinne test compares air conduction to bone conduction. The tuning fork is first
placed on the mastoid bone to assess bone conduction, then near the external auditory canal to
assess air conduction. This helps evaluate hearing loss.
Question 3
Which technique is most appropriate for assessing for costovertebral angle tenderness?
A. Percussion over the lower ribs
B. Palpation over the midclavicular line
C. Deep palpation of the abdomen
D. Light tapping on the sternum
,Correct Answer: A. Percussion over the lower ribs
Rationale: Costovertebral angle tenderness is assessed by percussing the area where the ribs
meet the spine (costovertebral angle), which can indicate renal pathology such as pyelonephritis
or kidney stones.
Question 4
A 40-year-old patient presents with abdominal pain. The best tactic to address cultural
considerations during a rectal examination is to:
A. Avoid the examination unless absolutely necessary
B. Inform the patient of the reason for the examination and ask if it is acceptable
C. Proceed without explanation to maintain efficiency
D. Use a chaperone regardless of patient preference
Correct Answer: B. Inform the patient of the reason for the examination and ask if it is
acceptable
Rationale: Cultural sensitivity requires clear communication and respect for patient preferences.
Explaining the purpose of the examination and obtaining consent ensures respect for cultural
prohibitions and builds trust.
Question 5
Percussing at the right midclavicular line, below the umbilicus, and continuing upward is the
correct technique for locating the:
A. Descending aorta
B. Lower liver border
C. Upper right kidney ridge
D. Medial border of the spleen
Correct Answer: B. Lower liver border
Rationale: Percussing upward from below the umbilicus at the right midclavicular line identifies
the lower liver border, as the liver produces a dull sound compared to the tympanic sound of the
intestines.
Question 6
Which part of the examiner’s hand is best for palpating vibrations during an abdominal exam?
A. Fingertips
B. Ulnar surface
C. Dorsum of the hand
D. Palm
, Correct Answer: B. Ulnar surface
Rationale: The ulnar surface of the hand is most sensitive to detecting vibrations, such as thrills
or fremitus, during palpation of the abdomen or other areas.
Question 7
A 5-year-old child presents with nasal congestion and a headache. To assess for sinus tenderness,
you should palpate over the:
A. Sphenoid and frontal sinuses
B. Maxillary and frontal sinuses
C. Sphenoid sinuses only
D. Maxillary sinuses only
Correct Answer: B. Maxillary and frontal sinuses
Rationale: The maxillary and frontal sinuses are accessible to palpation and commonly assessed
for tenderness in suspected sinusitis. The sphenoid sinuses are deeper and not easily palpated.
Question 8
Tangential lighting is best used for inspecting skin:
A. Exudates
B. Color
C. Contour
D. Symmetry
Correct Answer: C. Contour
Rationale: Tangential lighting highlights shadows and contours, making it ideal for detecting
skin elevation, depression, or irregularities such as rashes or lesions.
Question 9
During an eye examination, you rotate the ophthalmoscope lens selector clockwise, then
counterclockwise to compensate for:
A. Astigmatism
B. Myopia
C. Hyperopia
D. Presbyopia
Correct Answer: B. Myopia
Rationale: Rotating the ophthalmoscope lens adjusts for refractive errors like myopia
(nearsightedness) or hyperopia (farsightedness) to achieve a clear view of the retina. Myopia is
the most commonly corrected condition in this context.
Midterm 2025/2026 – Verified Questions
and Correct Solutions
Questions
Question 1
Before performing an abdominal examination, the examiner should:
A. Have the patient empty their bladder
B. Position the patient standing upright
C. Auscultate before inspection
D. Warm the patient’s abdomen with a heating pad
Correct Answer: A. Have the patient empty their bladder
Rationale: A full bladder can interfere with accurate palpation and percussion of the abdomen,
causing discomfort or obscuring findings such as organ borders or masses. Emptying the bladder
ensures a more accurate and comfortable examination.
Question 2
To perform the Rinne test, place the tuning fork on the:
A. Forehead
B. Mastoid bone
C. External auditory canal
D. Pinna
Correct Answer: B. Mastoid bone
Rationale: The Rinne test compares air conduction to bone conduction. The tuning fork is first
placed on the mastoid bone to assess bone conduction, then near the external auditory canal to
assess air conduction. This helps evaluate hearing loss.
Question 3
Which technique is most appropriate for assessing for costovertebral angle tenderness?
A. Percussion over the lower ribs
B. Palpation over the midclavicular line
C. Deep palpation of the abdomen
D. Light tapping on the sternum
,Correct Answer: A. Percussion over the lower ribs
Rationale: Costovertebral angle tenderness is assessed by percussing the area where the ribs
meet the spine (costovertebral angle), which can indicate renal pathology such as pyelonephritis
or kidney stones.
Question 4
A 40-year-old patient presents with abdominal pain. The best tactic to address cultural
considerations during a rectal examination is to:
A. Avoid the examination unless absolutely necessary
B. Inform the patient of the reason for the examination and ask if it is acceptable
C. Proceed without explanation to maintain efficiency
D. Use a chaperone regardless of patient preference
Correct Answer: B. Inform the patient of the reason for the examination and ask if it is
acceptable
Rationale: Cultural sensitivity requires clear communication and respect for patient preferences.
Explaining the purpose of the examination and obtaining consent ensures respect for cultural
prohibitions and builds trust.
Question 5
Percussing at the right midclavicular line, below the umbilicus, and continuing upward is the
correct technique for locating the:
A. Descending aorta
B. Lower liver border
C. Upper right kidney ridge
D. Medial border of the spleen
Correct Answer: B. Lower liver border
Rationale: Percussing upward from below the umbilicus at the right midclavicular line identifies
the lower liver border, as the liver produces a dull sound compared to the tympanic sound of the
intestines.
Question 6
Which part of the examiner’s hand is best for palpating vibrations during an abdominal exam?
A. Fingertips
B. Ulnar surface
C. Dorsum of the hand
D. Palm
, Correct Answer: B. Ulnar surface
Rationale: The ulnar surface of the hand is most sensitive to detecting vibrations, such as thrills
or fremitus, during palpation of the abdomen or other areas.
Question 7
A 5-year-old child presents with nasal congestion and a headache. To assess for sinus tenderness,
you should palpate over the:
A. Sphenoid and frontal sinuses
B. Maxillary and frontal sinuses
C. Sphenoid sinuses only
D. Maxillary sinuses only
Correct Answer: B. Maxillary and frontal sinuses
Rationale: The maxillary and frontal sinuses are accessible to palpation and commonly assessed
for tenderness in suspected sinusitis. The sphenoid sinuses are deeper and not easily palpated.
Question 8
Tangential lighting is best used for inspecting skin:
A. Exudates
B. Color
C. Contour
D. Symmetry
Correct Answer: C. Contour
Rationale: Tangential lighting highlights shadows and contours, making it ideal for detecting
skin elevation, depression, or irregularities such as rashes or lesions.
Question 9
During an eye examination, you rotate the ophthalmoscope lens selector clockwise, then
counterclockwise to compensate for:
A. Astigmatism
B. Myopia
C. Hyperopia
D. Presbyopia
Correct Answer: B. Myopia
Rationale: Rotating the ophthalmoscope lens adjusts for refractive errors like myopia
(nearsightedness) or hyperopia (farsightedness) to achieve a clear view of the retina. Myopia is
the most commonly corrected condition in this context.
